The Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Inc. (NOCCI), officers led by President Mr. Edward C. Du, actively participated in the DEPDev Negros Island Region (NIR) workshop on the formulation of the NIR Regional Development Plan held on July 15–16, 2025, at the Negros Oriental Convention Center in Dumaguete City. The two-day workshop focused on validating the draft regional vision, identifying potential growth centers, and outlining key strategies, programs, and policy priorities vital to the region’s development.

Participants also worked on identifying core indicators and legislative measures to support the plan’s desired outcomes. NOCCI also emphasized the significant role of private sector in advancing sustainable and inclusive growth. The workshop concluded with a presentation of workshop output, offering valuable insights for the proposed NIR / regional development roadmap.

NOCCI Champions Private Sector Role in the NIR Regional Development Plan

Shaping the Future of the Negros Island Region

The Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Inc. (NOCCI) is stepping up to support the vision of a more connected, progressive, and inclusive Negros Island Region (NIR). On July 15–16, 2025, NOCCI officers, led by President Edward C. Du, actively participated in the DEPDev workshop at the Negros Oriental Convention Center in Dumaguete City. This two-day event centered on validating the draft NIR Regional Development Plan, identifying growth centers, and setting strategies that will guide the region’s future.

By engaging the private sector in shaping policies and programs, NOCCI emphasized that sustainable development cannot be achieved by government initiatives alone. Instead, it requires the collaborative energy of business leaders, local communities, and policymakers working toward a shared roadmap. This approach to building the NIR Plan highlights a new chapter in inclusive development for the island.

Validating the Regional Vision

A cornerstone of the workshop was validating the draft regional vision, ensuring it aligns with the aspirations of stakeholders across Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental. The NIR Plan envisions a competitive and resilient island region that balances economic growth with environmental sustainability and inclusive opportunities.

By refining the draft vision through consultation and analysis, the workshop strengthened the foundation for policies and programs that resonate with local realities. This collaborative process ensures that the future roadmap will reflect both public and private priorities.

Identifying Potential Growth Centers

One of the workshop’s most significant outputs was the identification of growth centers within the NIR. These centers, once developed, will serve as hubs for investment, innovation, and employment.

Business leaders highlighted the need for infrastructure upgrades, digital connectivity, and accessible financing to empower local enterprises in these zones. NOCCI emphasized that with well-coordinated policies, the NIR Plan can stimulate economic activity that benefits not just urban hubs but also rural communities.

Outlining Key Strategies and Policy Priorities

The two-day workshop outlined several policy priorities to accelerate the region’s growth trajectory. Among these were:

• Sustainable Infrastructure: Building transport and digital systems to connect communities.
• Investment Promotion: Attracting industries that create long-term value and jobs.
• Inclusive Growth: Ensuring opportunities reach micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
• Environmental Stewardship: Integrating eco-friendly practices into economic planning.

NOCCI stressed that these strategies will be most effective if anchored in strong partnerships between government agencies and the business sector. The NIR Plan acts as a living document, guiding both policymakers and entrepreneurs toward shared outcomes.

Legislative Support and Indicators for Success

For the NIR Plan to achieve its objectives, the workshop also emphasized the importance of legislation and measurable indicators. Legislative measures are vital to institutionalize reforms, while indicators provide a way to track progress over time.

By identifying clear benchmarks, the region can monitor whether programs are driving inclusive, sustainable results. NOCCI reinforced the idea that the private sector is ready to support and advocate for these reforms, helping translate policy into practical action.

Private Sector at the Center of Development

NOCCI’s participation underscored the role of the private sector as both partner and catalyst in regional transformation. Business leaders contribute insights on market realities, job creation, and investment potential—elements essential for shaping an effective development roadmap.

President Edward C. Du highlighted that private sector engagement ensures that the NIR Plan is not only visionary but also implementable. By combining government frameworks with entrepreneurial innovation, the region is better positioned to achieve inclusive growth.

Workshop Outcomes and Roadmap Presentation

The workshop concluded with the presentation of outputs, showcasing actionable steps toward a comprehensive NIR Plan. This presentation provided valuable insights into how regional strategies can be synchronized with local priorities.

Stakeholders agreed that the roadmap must remain flexible, adapting to emerging challenges while staying aligned with long-term development goals. The shared ownership of the plan by government and business leaders signals a stronger commitment to the region’s progress.

Collaboration and Sustainability

Moving forward, the NIR Plan sets the stage for strategic partnerships that prioritize innovation, inclusivity, and resilience. The emphasis on collaboration between public and private actors ensures that programs will be both sustainable and impactful.

NOCCI’s involvement in this workshop is a clear sign of its dedication to fostering economic opportunities while safeguarding the island’s unique resources. With the right balance of vision, strategy, and execution, the Negros Island Region can become a model for regional growth in the Philippines.

Building a Stronger NIR Together

The workshop on the NIR Regional Development Plan marked a milestone in shaping the future of Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental. NOCCI’s active engagement affirmed that the private sector is integral to building a competitive, sustainable, and inclusive island economy.

As the NIR Plan evolves, its success will depend on continued collaboration, legislative support, and community-driven action. By working together, the people and businesses of the Negros Island Region can create a roadmap that drives prosperity for generations to come.